High school students across the country are gearing up for what some describe to be one of the most memorable nights of high school. Yes, it’s true; prom is here, but how did it get to where it is now? Prom began as a small celebration for the end of high school for seniors in the 1930s and 1940s. The celebration has only grown since then.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up; it’s a big milestone in our lives,” junior Savannah Maloch said.
Prom was not always about glamorous dresses or elegant dinners. Prom, short for promenade, was originally a middle class replication of the debutante balls. Debutante balls were a way of introducing the daughters of an upper class family to society by showcasing the young girls’ etiquette and elegance. A less extravagant party was created by the middle and working class families. In the early 1900s, prom was a simple tea dance, and students would wear their Sunday best.
In the 1950s, the typical prom venue would be the school cafeteria or gym.
“Ours was in the cafeteria; it was decorated; we didn’t have to drive far or pay much,” French teacher Sharon Kolman said. “I’m not sure a more expensive and elaborate prom would make it any more special for me.”
A part that some students remember is how they were asked. Last year, senior Kenley Green received packages of jelly beans and a card that said “I would be very ‘JELLY’ if you didn’t go to prom with me.” According to The Washington Post, “promposals” boomed in popularity in between 2007-2011 on social media as a way to bring attention to the students.
“I think it would be lame to say ‘I got asked to prom’ ‘How did they ask you?’ ‘A text message,’” Green said.
An older prom tradition is the theme for each year’s dance. This year, Northwood is showcasing Starry Starry Night as the theme.
“I’m ready to see what they’re doing with [the theme]; it has the potential to be really nice and pretty with the lights,” Maloch said. ”I love the venue; I’m really excited about the venue. I think the theme fits.”
A noticeable transformation throughout the years is the fashion. In the first 50 years of the 1900s, modesty was at the top of the list when finding a dress. Dresses went below the knees and almost touched the floor. Sleeves kept the arms covered to satisfy modesty. During the 1960s, however, the trend began to consist of spaghetti straps and shorter dresses. People now have the freedom to wear dresses that fluctuate between full length ball gowns and short party dresses. With great dresses comes a high price.
“I’ve been to school dances before; it’s just a school dance with more expensive dresses,” junior Kendra Moon said.
Prom is not just paying for a ticket. Dresses, tuxedos, shoes, flowers and dinner add up quickly; some put in the effort to rent limos and DJs for an after party. Others say it’s too pricey now.
“It doesn’t seem fair to the people who can’t afford it to not be able to participate,” Kolman said. “I think that things have gotten very expensive; it’s very extravagant, and I think it fits into our culture.”
Last year Northwood’s prom moved from the Wicker Center in Sanford to the local Chatham Mills. The attendance has grown, but the space is smaller.
“I’d like to see it stay in Chatham County,” said data manager Bonnie Morris, who advised the prom in 2005. “You hear about so many accidents around prom, and if we can keep it close to home, it’s less miles to travel for students.”
Prom takes place this weekend, and students and staff hope to make the night the best it can be.
“It’s all about dressing up fancy, going to dinner, dancing and having a good time,” math teacher William Kager said. “I don’t see it changing much in 20-30 years.”
– By Madison Clark